"Our European retailer partners asked us about the measures we implement to safeguard biodiversity, that is how we have started thinking about how to measure the wealth of our territory," explains Raffaella Didonna (in the photo below), quality and marketing manager for Didonna. The company has been selected by the British supermarket chain Waitrose as "Demonstration Farm" for the Biodiversity category.
The company has been committed to safeguarding the beautiful surrounding rural landscape for quite some time. For example, it has been rebuilding the typical dry-stone walls. "We were also working on a garden that reunites the ancient herbs and grasses part of our botanical heritage and welcomed the visit of some World Biodiversity Association experts, who have provided us with information on which techniques to use to favour and improve biodiversity."
The Terra dei Messapi farm garden.
The World Biodiversity Association promotes "Biodiversity Friend", the first certification that guarantees biodiversity. It is supported by the Ministry for Agricultural, Food and Forestry Policies and it aims at making sure that agricultural activities respect the ecosystem by complying with certain parameters concerning pest control, soil quality, water resources, production techniques, energy sources and biological diversity. 
Dry-stone walls.
"We realised immediately that the steps necessary to obtain the Biodiversity Friend certification were in line with our objectives. We combined more advanced procedures with ancient techniques such as compost production and the use of green manure. We have also created ecological corridors, planted bushes for pollinator insects, introduced local species and implemented a canal system to recover rain water. Our goal is to favour a Mediterranean habitat ideal for the flora and fauna."
Composting area.
The measures taken have been assessed by inspectors and, in November 2015, DiDonna obtained the Biodiversity Friend certification.
Play to watch Raffaella Didonna talk about the measures taken to favour biological diversity (in English):
"We are really proud of obtaining this certification because it recognises our commitment towards environmental protection, which is very important to us as producers and also to our customers, we believe. The certification guarantees the effectiveness of our operations and enables us to advertise them to our customers all over Europe. Getting as close as possible to a natural production cycles means not only that we can save money, but we can also help the environment."
Natural oasis.
"Sustainability means reaching a balance between making money and safeguarding the environment and soil. The real challenge is being capable of combining the two. High-quality products can only grow in a high-quality environment. Consumers are increasingly aware of the impact of human activities on the planet, so I believe that our work cannot ignore the environmental component."
Contacts:
Didonna Trade S.r.l.
Via per Conversano km 1,5
70018 Rutigliano (BA) - Italy
Tel.: (+39) 080 4761011
Fax :(+39) 0804767201
Email: Piervito@Didonna.it
Email: Raffaella@Didonna.it
Email: Pietro@Didonna.it
Web: www.didonna.it